US4008414A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Circuit for powering fluorescent lamps
Assignee: POWER SAVER CORP
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Filing: 1975-07-28
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Granted: 1977-02-15
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Expires: 1995-07-28
Abstract
Abstract A circuit employing an oscillator having a feedback loop for supplying operating current at a frequency in the range 20-25 kilohertz to a pair of fluorescent lamps connected in series. The heater filament of the first lamp is made a series element in the feedback loop of the oscillator, so that removal of that lamp disables the oscillator. Switching means is provided to bypass the open socket terminals of the second lamp when it is removed from its sockets, permitting power to continue to be supplied to the first lamp.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald L. Agnew
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 07:45
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/26; H05B41/28; H05B41/295; H05B41/298; H05B41/2988; H05B41/282; H05B41/285; H05B41/2851; H05B41/2855; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
Apparatus for powering first and second fluorescent lamps connected in series, said lamps each having a starter heater filament, comprising: a. a pair of sockets associated with each lamp, each socket having a terminal for making electrical connection to a lamp, with one of the terminals associated with each lamp connected in common; b. an oscillator including two output terminals each of which is connected to the terminal of a socket associated with a different lamp but not to the terminals connected in common, and further including a feedback circuit including means for connecting a starter heater filament of the first lamp in series within the feedback circuit, whereby removal of the first lamp from its sockets disables said oscillator; and c. switching means for establishing a short circuit between the socket terminals of the second lamp when the lamp is removed from its sockets, whereby the socket terminals of the socket lamp are bypassed permitting power to continue to be applied to the socket terminals of the first lamp after the second lamp has been removed from its sockets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
Apparatus for powering first and second fluorescent lamps connected in series, said lamps each having a starter heater filament, comprising: a. a pair of sockets associated with each lamp, each socket having a terminal for making electrical connection to a lamp, with one of the terminals associated with each lamp connected in common; b. an oscillator including two output terminals each of which is connected to the terminal of a socket associated with a different lamp but not to the terminals connected in common, and further including a feedback circuit including means for connecting a starter heater filament of the first lamp in series within the feedback circuit, whereby removal of the first lamp from its sockets disables said oscillator; and c. switching means for establishing a short circuit between the socket terminals of the second lamp when the lamp is removed from its sockets, whereby the socket terminals of the socket lamp are bypassed permitting power to continue to be applied to the socket terminals of the first lamp after the second lamp has been removed from its sockets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said oscillator has an operating frequency in the range 20-25 kilohertz.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said oscillator is connected to a distribution system for supplying power to the fluorescent lamps at a distance, whereby lower voltage wiring may be used in the distribution system at a savings in cost.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said switching means is located in one of said lamp sockets.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said switching means comprises a contact yieldingly urged closed by resilient force when not normally held apart by a portion of a fluorescent lamp when the lamp is mounted in its sockets, whereby removal of the lamp from its sockets causes the contacts to close.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said oscillator is powered by a direct current power source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said oscillator is a relaxation oscillator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said relaxation oscillator is a blocking oscillator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which said oscillator further includes converter means adapting said oscillator to be powered by a primary power source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said converter means includes a rectifier circuit for providing direct current power to said oscillator from an alternating primary power source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said converter means further include dimmer means for controlling the amount of power supplied to the fluorescent lamps whereby the fluorescent lamps may be operated at a reduced power level.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said oscillator and said converter means occupy the space normally used for a ballast element in a conventional fluorescent lamp fixture.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said converter means and said oscillator are included within a common enclosure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
141 words
In a circuit employing an oscillator circuit having a feedback loop for supplying operating current at a frequency in the range 20 to 25 kilohertz to a pair of fluorescent lamps connected in series, normally mounted in sockets, and having starter heater filaments, the improvement comprising: a. means for connecting a starter heater filament of a first lamp in series within the feedback loop of the oscillator circuit, whereby removal of the first lamp from its sockets disables the oscillator circuit; and b. switching means for establishing a short circuit between the socket terminals of the second lamp when that lamp is removed from its sockets, whereby the socket terminals of the second lamp are bypassed permitting power to continue to be applied to the socket terminals of the first lamp after the second lamp has been removed from its sockets.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
141 words
In a circuit employing an oscillator circuit having a feedback loop for supplying operating current at a frequency in the range 20 to 25 kilohertz to a pair of fluorescent lamps connected in series, normally mounted in sockets, and having starter heater filaments, the improvement comprising: a. means for connecting a starter heater filament of a first lamp in series within the feedback loop of the oscillator circuit, whereby removal of the first lamp from its sockets disables the oscillator circuit; and b. switching means for establishing a short circuit between the socket terminals of the second lamp when that lamp is removed from its sockets, whereby the socket terminals of the second lamp are bypassed permitting power to continue to be applied to the socket terminals of the first lamp after the second lamp has been removed from its sockets.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-02-15 | 1980-08-16 | 1981-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-15 | 1984-08-16 | 1985-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-15 | 1988-08-16 | 1989-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |